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West Perry SD approves measure to pursue up to $5M state facilities grant and hires GSL to assist application
Summary
The West Perry School District board approved a resolution to apply for a Public School Facility Improvement Grant and contracted GSL Government Consulting LLC to support the application; board members voted unanimously after questions about fees and matching requirements.
The West Perry School District Board of School Directors voted Feb. 9 to approve a resolution authorizing application for the Pennsylvania Public School Facility Improvement Grant and to hire GSL Government Consulting LLC to assist with the application process.
The resolution, passed unanimously, allows the district to apply for grant funding the board described as written "not to exceed $5,000,000" to provide flexibility for multiple projects. Cory Hoffman, who introduced the grant discussion, said the district intends to target needed HVAC and boiler-room work and that the March 13 application deadline required prompt authorization.
The board also approved contracting GSL to provide grant consulting and advisory services. Hoffman told the board that GSL "only make[s] money when they make money for us" and that 70% of GSL's clients last year received money through this program. He described the firm’s fee structure as contingent: GSL charges 15% of awarded funds and receives no fee if the district is not awarded money.
Board members questioned the potential cost. Mr. Nesbit noted that 15% of a hypothetical $5,000,000 award would equate to nearly $1,000,000 in fees; Mrs. Miller calculated that 15% of a likely smaller award would be $750,000. Hoffman said the district expects a smaller award for its projects (he estimated around $3,000,000) and that districts must provide a 25% local match if awarded. Ms. Wills emphasized the district's position on fiscal impact, stating there would be "zero impact on the budget" because any payment to GSL would be paid from awarded grant funds; Hoffman added the district has capital reserve funds to meet the 25% match requirement if necessary.
The motions to approve both the resolution and the contract passed by a 7-0 vote.
What happens next: the district will complete the grant application by the state deadline and return to committee/board process for final acceptance of any award and associated agreements should the district be selected.
